What if you could approach the new year without all the pressure? Without the “New Year, New You” messaging that leads to burnout by February?

In this episode, I’m sharing Part 1 of the Be Your Best Self: A New Year Reset—a gentle, science-backed approach to setting intentions that actually stick. This isn’t about crushing goals or toxic productivity. It’s about clarity, self-compassion, and showing up for yourself.

Before you listen:  Download your FREE workbook: workmuse.com/bestself

When you sign up, you’ll get the complete workbook with all 5 exercises plus a bonus, and gentle email guidance to walk you through each exercise on your timeline.

What makes this reset different?

I created this during one of the hardest seasons of my life—becoming a caregiver for my mom with Alzheimer’s while raising teens and running a business. Despite caregiving responsibilities and budget constraints, this intentional practice helped me manifest incredible opportunities. Not through magic, but through clarity, aligned action, and building the right systems.

This reset has transformed not just how I approach New Year’s, but how I approach life itself. And I’m honored to share it with you.

In Episode 59, you’ll discover:

Day 1: What Are You Going to Leave Behind?

• Why we keep repeating patterns we haven’t repaired
• A powerful exercise using your camera roll to reflect on the past year
• How to identify what no longer serves you (without judgment)
• The “rocks in your backpack” metaphor for releasing what’s holding you back
• What I’m personally leaving behind this year

Day 2: Choose Your Word of the Year

• Why one word is more powerful than multiple resolutions
• My Word of the Year journey: from mindful to intentional to kinder to expansion
• How to choose between words of reflection, change, or connection
• The neuroscience of why this practice actually works
• Pro tip: Where to put your word so you see it daily
• Real examples from our community: ACTION, UNBOTHERED, AGENCY, PRESENCE

Day 3: Setting Achievable Goals

• The SMARTER framework: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Risky, Time-Bound, Exciting, Relevant
• Why most people fail at goals (hint: they forget the HOW)
• The Will vs. The Way: Your WHY and your plan
• 5 goal-setting mistakes to avoid
• The 5 key life areas to reflect on before choosing goals
• How to break goals into micro-actions that actually lead to progress

Why this matters for work-life balance:

The past year has been heavy for so many—economic uncertainty, AI disruption, job market challenges, and political instability. When everything external feels chaotic, the most powerful thing we can do is center ourselves internally.

This reset is about building that inner foundation—a shield of possibility—that helps you navigate whatever comes your way. Whether you’re a working parent, caregiver, professional in transition, or simply someone who wants to live more intentionally.

How to use this episode:

Pro Tip: Save both episodes 59 and 60 so you can work through the exercises on your own timeline. There’s no rush, no deadline. This is your journey.

Listen with your workbook handy. Pause when you need to. Come back to the exercises. This isn’t about keeping up—it’s about showing up for yourself with compassion and intention.